Summary
House of the Dragonseason 2, episode 1, sees Daemon Targaryen calling out Rhaenys for what’s arguably one of her biggest mistakes. TheHBO prequel series picks up shortly after the brutalHouse of the Dragonseason 1 ending, with the events following King Viserys' death fresh in everyone’s minds. The first season’s final two episodes showed the split perspectives of the Black and Green factions deciding on their first actions following the king’s passing, with the Greens holding members of the court hostage in the Red Keep until matters were settled.
Season 1, episode 9 saw Rhaenys Targaryen narrowly escape King’s Landing on dragonback, interrupting Aegon’s coronation. For a moment, she has the entire Green faction in her scope but decides not to kill them, instead flying to Dragonstone. This was one of the manyHouse of the Dragonbook changes, and one that was met with divisive responses from audiences. In the season 2 premiere, Daemon gripes with Rhaenys about this, suggesting that she should’ve killed Aegon and ended the war while she had the chance.
Daemon Is Sort Of Right: Rhaenys Could Have Killed Team Green & Prevented Lucerys' Death
Ending The War Early Could’ve Saved Thousands Of Lives
There’s undoubtedly some validity to what Daemon is saying, and it’s possible this scene was inserted to demonstrate the opposing philosophies of Rhaenys' actions. Like Aegon and Aemond in the Greens, Daemon constantly urges quick and violent actions for Rhaenyra’s side, and it’s easy for him to see the benefits of Rhaenys wiping out the Greens without considering the fallout. After all,she hypothetically would’ve saved thousands of lives by stopping the war before it started, and Lucerys would still be alive.
Who Is Hugh Hammer? House Of The Dragon’s Blacksmith & Future Importance Explained
The blacksmith named Hugh who petitions to King Aegon II Targaryen in House of the Dragon season 2 will end up having a huge role in the Dance.
Was Rhaenys Still Right Not To Kill Aegon, Alicent, & The Other Greens?
Rhaenys Wiping Out The Whole Green Faction Could’ve Tarnished Rhaenyra’s Reputation
On a more personal note, Daemon is grieving on some level for Lucerys and likely for his brother, Viserys. Daemon has compounded his feelings of insecurity and grief and turned it into hatred for the Greens. It’s easy for him to see the upside of the situation, as Lucerys would still be alive, and Daemon and Rhaenyra would rule in King’s Landing. But it’s not as clear-cut as he’s thinking.House of the Dragonmakes a clear point to show that wars can’t be won simply by dragons and raw powerand that there are more nuances in play.
Why House Of The Dragon Cut One Part Of Jacaerys & Cregan’s Book Story
The return to Winterfell in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 1 leaves out an important aspect of Cregan Stark & Jacaerys Velaryon’s book story.
Hypothetically, if Rhaenys were to wipe out the entire Green faction, not only would her personal reputation be tarnished, with her being branded a kinslayer, but everyone in association with her would also be hated.Rhaenyra’s rule, which was already set to be in question for her being a woman, would be met with an uproar with accusations of her being a tyrantwho stole the throne. There’s a severe risk of instability and further conflict, and Rhaenys didn’t believe it was her risk to take. It’s a complex choice, which is part of what makesHouse of the Dragonso enthralling.
House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
